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Zeng L, Perin J, Gross AL, Shade D, Lanctôt KL, Lerner AJ, Mintzer JE, Brawman-Mintzer O, Padala PR, van Dyck CH, Porsteinsson AP, Craft S, Levey A, Herrmann N, Rosenberg PB. Adverse effects of methylphenidate for apathy in patients with Alzheimer's disease (ADMET2 trial). Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 2024; 39:e6108. [PMID: 38858522 PMCID: PMC11265565 DOI: 10.1002/gps.6108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine clinically important adverse events (AEs) associated with methylphenidate (MPH) treatment of apathy in Alzheimer's Disease (AD) versus placebo, including weight loss, vital signs, falls, and insomnia. METHODS The Apathy in Dementia Methylphenidate Trial 2 (ADMET2) trial was a multicenter randomized, placebo-controlled trial of MPH to treat apathy in individuals with apathy and AD. Participants in ADMET2 had vital signs and weight measured at monthly visits through 6 months. AEs, including insomnia, falls, and cardiovascular events, were reported at every visit by participants and families using a symptom checklist. RESULTS The study included 98 participants in the MPH group and 101 in the placebo group. Participants in the MPH group experienced greater weight loss on average than the placebo through the 6-month follow-up, with a difference in change between MPH and placebo of 2.8 lb (95% confidence interval, CI: 0.7, 4.9 lb). No treatment group differences in change during the trial were found in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. More participants in the MPH group reported falls during the follow-up, 10 versus 6 in MPH and placebo groups, respectively. No differences in post-baseline insomnia were observed between the treatment groups. No participants reported instances of myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, arrhythmia, stroke, or cardiomyopathy throughout the study period. CONCLUSIONS MPH use in AD patients for treating apathy is relatively safe, particularly notable given the many medical comorbidities in this population. There was a statistically significant but modest weight loss associated with MPH use, and clinicians are thus advised to monitor weight during MPH treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijuan Zeng
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jamie Perin
- Global Disease Epidemiology and Control, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Alden L. Gross
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - David Shade
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Krista L. Lanctôt
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Alan J. Lerner
- University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Jacobo E. Mintzer
- Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Olga Brawman-Mintzer
- Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Prasad R. Padala
- Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas
| | | | | | - Suzanne Craft
- Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Allan Levey
- Emory Goizueta Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Nathan Herrmann
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Paul B. Rosenberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
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Nijsten JMH, Plouvier AOA, Smalbrugge M, Koopmans RTCM, Leontjevas R, Gerritsen DL. The development and feasibility evaluation of a program to identify and manage apathy in people with dementia: the SABA program. Aging Ment Health 2024; 28:227-237. [PMID: 37382202 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2023.2228252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To develop and evaluate feasibility of a program for family and professional caregivers to identify and manage apathy in people with dementia: the Shared Action for Breaking through Apathy program (SABA). METHODS A theory- and practice-based intervention was developed and tested among ten persons with apathy and dementia in two Dutch nursing homes from 2019 to 2021. Feasibility was evaluated with interviews with family caregivers (n = 7) and professional caregivers (n = 4) and two multidisciplinary focus groups with professional caregivers (n = 5 and n = 6). RESULTS SABA was found feasible for identifying and managing apathy. Caregivers mentioned increased knowledge and awareness regarding recognizing apathy and its impact on their relationship with the person with apathy. They experienced increased skills to manage apathy, a greater focus on small-scale activities and increased appreciation of small moments of success. The content, form and accessibility of the program's materials were considered facilitating by all stakeholders, as was the compatibility of the procedures with the usual way of working. The expertise and involvement of stakeholders, staff stability and the support of an ambassador and/or manager were facilitating, while insufficient collaboration was a barrier. Organizational and external aspects like not prioritizing apathy, staff discontinuity, and the Covid-19 pandemic were perceived as barriers. A stimulating physical environment with small-scale living rooms, and access to supplies for activities were considered facilitating. CONCLUSIONS SABA empowers family and professional caregivers to successfully identify and manage apathy. For implementation, it is important to take into account the facilitators and barriers resulting from our study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna M H Nijsten
- Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Radboudumc Alzheimer Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Archipel Landrijt, Expertise Center for Specialized Care, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Annette O A Plouvier
- Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Radboudumc Alzheimer Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Martin Smalbrugge
- Department of Medicine for Older People, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Aging & Later Life, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Raymond T C M Koopmans
- Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Radboudumc Alzheimer Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Waalboog, location Joachim and Anna, Center for Specialised Geriatric Care, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ruslan Leontjevas
- Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Radboudumc Alzheimer Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Faculty of Psychology, Open University of the Netherlands, Heerlen, The Netherlands
| | - Debby L Gerritsen
- Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Radboudumc Alzheimer Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Nijsten JMH, Smalbrugge M, Plouvier AOA, Koopmans RTCM, Leontjevas R, Gerritsen DL. Identifying and managing apathy in people with dementia living in nursing homes: a qualitative study. BMC Geriatr 2023; 23:727. [PMID: 37946109 PMCID: PMC10636808 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-023-04422-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although apathy is common in people with dementia and has profound negative effects, it is rarely diagnosed nor specifically treated in nursing homes. The aim of this study is to explore experiences in identifying and managing apathy from the perspectives of people with dementia and apathy (PwA), family caregivers (FCs) and professional caregivers (PCs). METHODS Descriptive qualitative study with purposive sampling, comprising eleven semi-structured in-depth interviews with PwA, FCs or PCs and focus groups with twelve PCs in Dutch nursing homes. Seventeen additional in-depth interviews with caregivers were held, after signals of increasing apathy during the first Covid-19 lockdown. Using an inductive approach, data was analysed thematically to explore the experiences in identifying and managing apathy from the perspective of different stakeholders. RESULTS Three themes were identified: 1) the challenge to appraise signals, 2) the perceived impact on well-being, 3) applied strategies to manage apathy. Although participants described apathy in line with diagnostic criteria, they were unfamiliar with the term apathy and had difficulties in appraising signals of apathy. Also, the perceived impact of apathy varied per stakeholder. PwA had difficulties reflecting on their internal state. FCs and PCs experienced apathy as challenging when it reduced the well-being of PwA or when they themselves experienced ambiguity, frustration, insecurity, disappointment or turning away. Dealing with apathy required applying specific strategies that included stimulating meaningful contact, adjusting one's expectations, and appreciating little successes. CONCLUSIONS When addressing apathy in nursing homes, it is important to consider that a) all stakeholders experience that appraising signals of apathy is challenging; b) apathy negatively influences the well-being of people with dementia and especially their FCs and PCs; and c) FCs and PCs can successfully, albeit temporarily, manage apathy by using specific strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna M H Nijsten
- Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
- Department of Primary and Community Care, Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
- Radboud Alzheimer Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
- Archipel, Landrijt Expertise Centre for Specialized Care, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
| | - Martin Smalbrugge
- Department of Medicine for Older People, UMC, Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Aging & Later Life, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Annette O A Plouvier
- Department of Primary and Community Care, Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Radboud Alzheimer Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Raymond T C M Koopmans
- Department of Primary and Community Care, Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Radboud Alzheimer Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Waalboog, Joachim and Anna, Centre for Specialized Geriatric Care, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ruslan Leontjevas
- Department of Primary and Community Care, Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Radboud Alzheimer Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Faculty of Psychology, Open University of the Netherlands, Heerlen, The Netherlands
| | - Debby L Gerritsen
- Department of Primary and Community Care, Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Radboud Alzheimer Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Pless A, Ware D, Saggu S, Rehman H, Morgan J, Wang Q. Understanding neuropsychiatric symptoms in Alzheimer's disease: challenges and advances in diagnosis and treatment. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1263771. [PMID: 37732300 PMCID: PMC10508352 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1263771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) in Alzheimer's disease (AD) affect up to 97% of AD patients, with an estimated 80% of current AD patients experiencing these symptoms. Common AD-associated NPS include depression, anxiety, agitation, aggression, and apathy. The severity of NPS in AD is typically linked to the disease's progression and the extent of cognitive decline. Additionally, these symptoms are responsible for a significant increase in morbidity, mortality, caregiver burden, earlier nursing home placement, and greater healthcare expenditure. Despite their high prevalence and significant impact, there is a notable lack of clinical research on NPS in AD. In this article, we explore and analyze the prevalence, symptom manifestations, challenges in diagnosis, and treatment options of NPS associated with AD. Our literature review reveals that distinguishing and accurately diagnosing the NPS associated with AD remains a challenging task in clinical settings. It is often difficult to discern whether NPS are secondary to pathophysiological changes from AD or are comorbid psychiatric conditions. Furthermore, the availability of effective pharmaceutical interventions, as well as non-pharmacotherapies for NPS in AD, remains limited. By highlighting the advance and challenges in diagnosis and treatment of AD-associated NPS, we aspire to offer new insights into the complexity of identifying and treating these symptoms within the context of AD, and contribute to a deeper understanding of the multifaceted nature of NPS in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Pless
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Destany Ware
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Shalini Saggu
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Hasibur Rehman
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - John Morgan
- Department of Neurology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Qin Wang
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
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5
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Leng M, Han S, Sun Y, Zhu Z, Zhao Y, Zhang Y, Yang X, Wang Z. Identifying care problem clusters and core care problems of older adults with dementia for caregivers: a network analysis. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1195637. [PMID: 37637827 PMCID: PMC10449331 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1195637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background A shift in research interest from separate care problem to care problem clusters among caregivers of people living with dementia may contribute to a better understanding of dementia care. However, the care problems network among caregivers of people living with dementia are still unknown. This study aimed to identify care problem clusters and core care problems, and explore demographic variables associated with these care problem clusters among caregivers of people living with dementia. Methods Participants were recruited through memory clinics and WeChat groups. The principal component analysis was applied to identify care problem clusters. The network analysis was conducted to describe the relationships among care problems and clusters. Multiple linear models were used to explore the associated factors for the occurrence of the overall care problems and top three central care problem clusters. Results A total of 1,012 carer-patient pairs were included in the analysis. Nine care problem clusters were identified. In the entire care problem network, "deterioration in activities of daily living" was the most core care problem cluster across the three centrality indices, followed by "verbal and nonverbal aggression" and "loss of activities of daily living." Variables including marital status, years of dementia diagnosis, number of dementia medication type, and caregiver's educational attainment were associated with the prevalence of these three care problem clusters. Conclusion Our study suggests that there is a need to evaluate care problem clusters for the improvement of care problem management among people living with dementia. It is particularly important to include assessment and treatment of core care problem as an essential component of the dementia care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minmin Leng
- Department of Nursing, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- School of Nursing, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Shuyu Han
- School of Nursing, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yue Sun
- School of Nursing, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Zheng Zhu
- School of Nursing, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yajie Zhao
- Department of Cardiology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yizhu Zhang
- School of Nursing, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xianxia Yang
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhiwen Wang
- School of Nursing, Peking University, Beijing, China
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6
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Yu Y, Xiao L, Ullah S, Meyer C, Wang J, Pot AM, Shifaza F. The Experiences of Informal Caregivers of People With Dementia in Web-Based Psychoeducation Programs: Systematic Review and Metasynthesis. JMIR Aging 2023; 6:e47152. [PMID: 37247218 DOI: 10.2196/47152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Informal caregivers of people living with dementia experience a higher level of physical and mental stress compared with other types of caregivers. Psychoeducation programs are viewed as beneficial for building caregivers' knowledge and skills and for decreasing caregiver stress. OBJECTIVE This review aimed to synthesize the experiences and perceptions of informal caregivers of people with dementia when participating in web-based psychoeducation programs and the factors that enable and impede informal caregivers' engagement in web-based psychoeducation programs. METHODS This review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute protocol of systematic review and meta-aggregation of qualitative studies. We searched 4 English databases, 4 Chinese databases, and 1 Arabic database in July 2021. RESULTS A total of 9 studies written in English were included in this review. From these studies, 87 findings were extracted and grouped into 20 categories. These categories were further synthesized into 5 findings: web-based learning as an empowering experience, peer support, satisfactory and unsatisfactory program content, satisfactory and unsatisfactory technical design, and challenges encountered in web-based learning. CONCLUSIONS High-quality and carefully designed web-based psychoeducation programs offered positive experiences for informal caregivers of people living with dementia. To meet broader caregiver education and support needs, program developers should consider information quality and relevancy, the support offered, individual needs, flexibility in delivery, and connectedness between peers and program facilitators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Yu
- College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, South Australia, Australia
| | - Lily Xiao
- College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, South Australia, Australia
| | - Shahid Ullah
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - Claudia Meyer
- Bolton Clarke Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Ageing and Independent Living Research Centre, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Centre for Health Communication and Participation, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jing Wang
- Faculty of Nursing, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiao tong University, Xi'an, Shanxi, China
| | - Anne Margriet Pot
- Erasmus School of Health Policy & Management, Erasmus University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Optentia, North-West University, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa
| | - Fathimath Shifaza
- College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, South Australia, Australia
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Burgon C, Goldberg S, van der Wardt V, Harwood RH. Experiences and understanding of apathy in people with neurocognitive disorders and their carers: a qualitative interview study. Age Ageing 2023; 52:7078335. [PMID: 36934338 PMCID: PMC10024892 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afad031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 03/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND apathy, defined as reduced goal-directed activity, interests and emotion, is highly prevalent in neurocognitive disorders (NCDs). Apathy has important consequences for the individuals who experience it and their carers, yet the lived experiences of apathy in this population are not well understood. OBJECTIVE to explore how people with NCDs and their carers understand and experience apathy. METHOD in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted in participants' homes. Sixteen people with NCDs (dementia or mild cognitive impairment) and 14 carers, living in four geographical areas of England, took part. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS four themes were generated: 'Apathy is Poorly Understood'; 'Too much trouble: Mediating Effort and Outcome'; 'Preserving Identity in the Face of Loss of Capability and Autonomy' and 'Opportunity and Exclusion'. CONCLUSION apathy is experienced as an understandable response to the everyday struggle people with NCDs face to preserve identity in the face of threats to capability and autonomy and is exacerbated by the lack of support and opportunities. Social and environmental modifications may help reduce apathy. In line with previous qualitative research, this challenges the dominant view of apathy as a neuropsychiatric symptom that excludes the social-environmental context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare Burgon
- Address correspondence to: Clare Burgon, NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre (Hearing), Hearing Sciences, Mental Health and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Ropewalk House, 113 The Ropewalk, Nottingham NG1 5DU, UK.
| | - Sarah Goldberg
- School of Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Veronika van der Wardt
- Department of General Practice/Family Medicine, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Rowan H Harwood
- School of Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
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8
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Lanctôt KL, Ismail Z, Bawa KK, Cummings JL, Husain M, Mortby ME, Robert P. Distinguishing apathy from depression: A review differentiating the behavioral, neuroanatomic, and treatment-related aspects of apathy from depression in neurocognitive disorders. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 2023; 38:e5882. [PMID: 36739588 PMCID: PMC10107127 DOI: 10.1002/gps.5882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This narrative review describes the clinical features of apathy and depression in individuals with neurocognitive disorders (NCDs), with the goal of differentiating the two syndromes on the basis of clinical presentation, diagnostic criteria, neuropathological features, and contrasting responses to treatments. METHODS Literature was identified using PubMed, with search terms to capture medical conditions of interest; additional references were also included based on our collective experience and knowledge of the literature. RESULTS Evidence from current literature supports the distinction between the two disorders; apathy and depression occur with varying prevalence in individuals with NCDs, pose different risks of progression to dementia, and have distinct, if overlapping, neurobiological underpinnings. Although apathy is a distinct neuropsychiatric syndrome, distinguishing apathy from depression can be challenging, as both conditions may occur concurrently and share several overlapping features. Apathy is associated with unfavorable outcomes, especially those with neurodegenerative etiologies (e.g., Alzheimer's disease) and is associated with an increased burden for both patients and caregivers. Diagnosing apathy is important not only to serve as the basis for appropriate treatment, but also for the development of novel targeted interventions for this condition. Although there are currently no approved pharmacologic treatments for apathy, the research described in this review supports apathy as a distinct neuropsychiatric condition that warrants specific treatments aimed at alleviating patient disability. CONCLUSIONS Despite differences between these disorders, both apathy and depression pose significant challenges to patients, their families, and caregivers; better diagnostics are needed to develop more tailored treatment and support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krista L. Lanctôt
- Departments of Psychiatry and of Pharmacology and ToxicologyUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
- Neuropsychopharmacology Research GroupHurvitz Brain Sciences ProgramSunnybrook Research InstituteTorontoOntarioCanada
- Bernick Chair in Geriatric PsychopharmacologySunnybrook Health Sciences CentreUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Zahinoor Ismail
- Departments of Psychiatry, Clinical Neurosciences, and Community Health SciencesHotchkiss Brain InstituteO'Brien Institute of Public HealthUniversity of CalgaryCalgaryAlbertaCanada
| | - Kritleen K. Bawa
- Departments of Psychiatry and of Pharmacology and ToxicologyUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
- Neuropsychopharmacology Research GroupHurvitz Brain Sciences ProgramSunnybrook Research InstituteTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Jeffrey L. Cummings
- Department of Brain HealthChambers‐Grundy Center for Transformative NeuroscienceSchool of Integrated Health SciencesUniversity of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV)Las VegasNevadaUSA
| | - Masud Husain
- Nuffield Department of Clinical NeurosciencesUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
- Department of Experimental PsychologyUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Moyra E. Mortby
- School of PsychologyUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Neuroscience Research AustraliaSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Philippe Robert
- Cognition Behaviour Technology LabUniversity Côte d'Azur (UCA)NiceFrance
- Centre MémoireLe Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de NiceNiceFrance
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9
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Abstract
In health care, well-being is considered to be composed of multiple interacting dimensions and to regard the subjective (affective and cognitive) evaluation of these dimensions. These dimensions are often referred to as physical, psychological, and social domains of life. Although there are various disease-specific and group-specific conceptual approaches, starting from a universal perspective provides a more inclusive approach to well-being. Indeed, universal approaches to well-being have striking overlaps with dementia-specific approaches. Although many initiatives have been launched to promote person-centered care and attention for well-being in recent decades, the current COVID pandemic showed that the primary focus in (Dutch) long-term care was still on physical health. However, a well-being perspective can be a central base of care: it is a means to include positive aspects, and it can be applied when addressing problems such as challenging behavior in the sense that both are about needs. Furthermore, providing care from this perspective is not only about the well-being of frail people and their loved ones but also about the well-being and needs of the involved professionals. Increasingly, research shows the importance of the quality of the resident-carer relationship, the carer's behavior, and their well-being for improving the well-being of residents. Applying the care approaches 'attentiveness in care' and relationship-centered care can contribute to the well-being of all involved stakeholders as these uphold the reciprocity of care relationships and take the values and attitudes, but also the vulnerability of those involved, into account.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debby L Gerritsen
- Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboudumc Alzheimer Center, Department of Primary and Community care, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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10
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Pepper A, Dening KH. Person-centred communication with people with dementia. Nurs Older People 2023; 35:e1430. [PMID: 36694988 DOI: 10.7748/nop.2023.e1430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Communication is a two-way process of exchanging or sharing information and is an essential element of the nursing process. Challenges with communication are a feature of all types of dementia, so understanding how dementia affects communication and how to support people is important for all nurses. This article provides an overview of communication in dementia care. The authors draw on the literature on communication and dementia to present evidence-based, practical approaches for supporting person-centred communication with people with dementia.
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11
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Dening T, Baber W, Chang M, Yates J. The struggle of apathy in dementia. Aging Ment Health 2022; 26:1909-1911. [PMID: 34850646 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2021.2008309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Tom Dening
- Institute of Mental Health & School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Waqaar Baber
- Institute of Mental Health & School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Marybeth Chang
- Institute of Mental Health & School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Jen Yates
- Institute of Mental Health & School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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12
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Sommerlad A, Park HK, Marston L, Livingston G. Apathy in UK Care Home Residents with Dementia: Longitudinal Course and Determinants. J Alzheimers Dis 2022; 87:731-740. [PMID: 35342090 DOI: 10.3233/jad-215623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Apathy in dementia is common and associated with worse disease outcomes. OBJECTIVE To describe the longitudinal course of apathy in dementia and identify associated sociodemographic and disease-related factors. METHODS Prospective cohort study of UK care home residents with dementia. At baseline, 4, 8, 12, and 16 months, care home staff rated apathy using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (clinically-significant apathy if≥4), dementia severity, and provided other sociodemographic information about each participant. We examined the prevalence and persistence of apathy and, in mixed linear models, its association with time, age, sex, dementia severity, antipsychotic use, and baseline apathy and other neuropsychiatric symptoms. RESULTS Of 1,419 included participants (mean age 85 years (SD 8.5)), 30% had mild dementia, 33% moderate, and 37% severe. The point prevalence of clinically-significant apathy was 21.4% (n = 304) and the 16-month period prevalence was 47.3% (n = 671). Of participants with follow-up data, 45 (3.8%) were always clinically-significantly apathetic, 3 (0.3%) were always sub-clinically apathetic, and 420 (36.2%) were never apathetic until death or end of follow-up. In adjusted models, apathy increased over time and was associated with having more severe dementia, worse baseline apathy and other neuropsychiatric symptoms. CONCLUSION It is important for clinicians to know that most people with dementia are not apathetic, though it is common. Most of those with significant symptoms of apathy improve without specific treatments, although some also relapse, meaning that intervention may not be needed. Future research should seek to target those people with persistent severe apathy and test treatments in this group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Sommerlad
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, UK
- Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Hee Kyung Park
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, UK
- Department of Neurology, Ewha Womans University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Louise Marston
- Department of Primary Care and Population Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Gill Livingston
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, UK
- Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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